FAQs

The Durango Area Tourism Office staff has compiled answers to what we believe to be a pretty comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions about Durango. Have a question not answered below? Contact the Durango Area Tourism Office by phone at 1-800-525-8855 or by email: info@durango.org. Be sure to stop by the Durango Welcome Center in downtown Durango at 802 Main Ave. when you’re in town!

Durango FAQs: Getting to Durango

Durango is located in southwest Colorado near the Four Corners, where the borders of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about getting to Durango:

Which major highways run through Durango?
Durango is accessible by US Hwy 550 from the north and south, and US Hwy 160 from the east and west.

Where is the Durango Visitor Center Located?
The Durango Welcome Center is located in downtown Durango at 802 Main Avenue.

Does Durango have an airport?
Yes! Durango is easily and conveniently accessible by air. The Durango-La Plata County Airport (Airport Code: DRO) is currently serviced by United from Denver and American Airlines from Dallas and Phoenix, and seasonally from Los Angeles.

What is the closest International Airport?
The closest international airport to Durango is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is approximately a three and a half hour drive south of Durango.

Durango FAQs: General Durango Information and Statistics

Durango is a real Colorado town with endless recreational opportunities, a rich history, a bright future, and countless stories to tell. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about the Durango area below.

What is Durango’s population?
Approximately 18,000

What is Durango’s elevation?
6,512 feet

What are Durango’s major industries?
Tourism and Agriculture

Who is the largest employer in La Plata County?
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe in Ignacio

How many days of sunshine does Durango average per year?
300+ days

What is Durango’s average snowfall?
68 inches

What is Durango’s Sales Tax?
Retail sales in City Limits are taxed a total of 7.9%* (includes a 2.9% state tax, 2% county tax, and 3% city tax). *Data current as of June 2009

When is Durango’s “High Season” for tourism?
Memorial Day through Labor Day and the week after Christmas are typically the busiest times of year for Durango.

Durango FAQs: Durango Special Events

Durango hosts a variety of events, year-round. Following are a few commonly asked questions about some of our signature annual events. Visit the Durango special events calendar for a complete list of special events.

Which October event celebrates the western/cowboy culture?
The Durango Cowboy Gathering

What is the name of the Durango bicycle race where bicyclists race the train to Silverton?
The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, which is held each year over Memorial Day Weekend

What winter celebration takes place in late January/early February?
Snowdown!

Durango FAQs: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango was founded in 1880 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. By July of 1882, tracks to Silverton were completed and the train began transporting both freight and passengers. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was originally constructed to haul silver and gold ore, but passengers soon realized that it was the view that was truly precious.

Below are a few frequently asked questions about the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Be sure to also check out Durango’s Traveler Tips for additional information on planning your trip back in time!

Does the Durango & Silverton Train run year round?
Yes, however it only runs to Cascade Canyon in the winter months.

How long is the train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in the summer?
9 hours round trip

How long do you spend in Silverton when riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad?
About 2 hours

What is the difference between taking the train and driving to Silverton, in terms of scenery?
The road climbs over two mountain passes, while the train follows the river canyon. Both routes include spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains.

Durango FAQs: Durango History and Regional Archaeology

Durango has a long and rich history that both history buffs and curious folks of all ages will enjoy. From local history and railroad museums of historic downtown Durango to the ancient cliff dwellings of nearby Mesa Verde National Park, Durango is truly where the old west survived and where the new west thrives. Check out the list below for some frequently asked questions or read more about Durango’s history.

How did the town of Durango get its name?
It was named after Durango, Mexico. "Durango" comes from the Basque word “urango” that means "water town."

How can I get to in Mesa Verde National Park from Durango and how far is it?
Drive 38 miles west on Hwy 160 to reach the entrance gates of Mesa Verde National Park. The drive takes about 45 minutes from downtown Durango.

Is Mesa Verde National Park open in the winter?
Yes, weather permitting.

Which of the Mesa Verde National Park cliff dwellings is the largest?
Cliff Palace

How did the wilderness area near Durango get a name like "Weminuche"?
It was named for a band of Ute Indians that once inhabited the area.

In which nearby town did Butch Cassidy rob his first bank?
Telluride, CO, located about 120 miles from Durango.

Where are the nearest ghost towns?
Parrot City and La Plata City, both of which are in La Plata Canyon just outsde Durango. Silverton is home to Animas Forks, a turn-of-the-century mining town with excellent off-roading opportunities nearby.

Durango FAQs: Nearby towns and attractions

Southwest Colorado and the San Juan Mountains are dotted with old mining towns as well as historical and cultural attractions, many of which are located within a short drive of Durango. Check out some of the most frequently asked questions about these towns and nearby attractions below!

Isn’t there a nearby town nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”?
Yes: Ouray, Colorado – located 72 miles north of Durango

Where is the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park?
60 miles east of Durango, near Pagosa Springs

Is there an Indian Reservation nearby?
Yes, there are two. The Southern Ute Indian Reservation is just over 20 miles southeast of Durango in Ignacio and the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation is located 60 miles west of Durango in Towaoc, CO.

How do I get to the Four Corners National Monument?
Take Highway 160 west. It is a 2 hour drive from downtown Durango.

What is the San Juan Skyway?
The San Juan Skyway is an incredibly scenic 236-mile loop of paved highway that runs through several historic towns including Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgeway, Telluride, Dolores, Cortez and Mancos. The entire trip takes approximately 6-8 hours.

Where is the Million Dollar Highway?
The Million Dollar Highway is a steep and narrow stretch of Hwy 550 approximately 60 miles north of Durango, between Silverton and Ouray. Legend has it the highway was named either after the amount it cost to construct each mile, or the priceless views along the way.

Is there a casino nearby?
Yes, the Sky Ute Lodge and Casino is located 45 minutes southeast of Durango in Ignacio.

FAQs: Durango Outdoor Recreation

Durango offers an endless variety of year round activities and world-class experiences for the entire family. Check out the list below for some frequently asked questions about popular Durango outdoor recreation.

Are there any Colorado State Parks near Durango?
Yes, there are three: Mancos, Navajo Lake and Ridgeway State Parks.

How far is Vallecito Lake from Durango?
Vallecito Lake is located 22 miles northeast of Durango along County Road 240, which is also called Florida Road (pronounced flor-ee-dah).

What is the closest Forest Service Campground to Durango?
Junction Creek, 5 miles northwest of Durango. Check out the San Juan National Forest list of campgrounds for a complete list of forest service campgrounds and their status.

Where can I get a map of hiking trails for the Durango area?
Visit the San Juan National Forest Office at 15 Burnett Court off of Hwy 160 west in Durango, or stop by the Durango Visitor Center at Santa Rita Park.

Are there any 14,000 foot mountains in the Durango area?
Indeed! Mt. Eolus, Sunlight Peak, and Windom Peak, are all located in the Weminuche Wilderness Area north of Durango. Learn more about these and other Colorado 14'ers!

Do I need a fishing license, and if so where can I get one?
Yes, if you plan to fish the Animas River or at Vallecito Lake you will need a fishing license. Pick one up at the Division of Wildlife office located at 151 E. 16th, or at local retail fishing stores.

Where is the best place in Durango to watch kayakers?
Smelter Rapid at the kayak course on the Animas River – near the Durango Visitor Center.

What type of fish is most common in the Animas River?
Trout

How many Durango golf courses are there?
There are two public Durango golf courses. Dalton Ranch is an 18-hole championship golf course located 6 miles north of downtown. Hillcrest Golf Club, also 18-holes, sits atop the mesa near Fort Lewis College.

Does the Durango & Silverton Train stop for backpackers?
Yes, the train stops at Needleton and Elk Park to pick up/drop off backpackers. Check out the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s schedule and rates.

Where can I find a handicap-accessible trail in Durango?
The Animas River Trail is a paved trail which runs along the Animas River through Durango

FAQs: Retail Marijuana in Colorado

With the new retail marijuana laws in Colorado, many tourists have questions about what is legal and illegal for them to purchase or do. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about retail marijuana:

Who can buy, have, or use it?
Adults aged 21 and over can legally purchase, possess, or use retail marijuana or marijuana products. Colorado residents 21 years and older can purchase as much as 1 ounce of retail marijuana at a time. Non-residents can purchase 1 ounce.

Where can I buy it?
Retail marijuana and related products may only be purchased at licensed retailers approved by the Colorado Department of Revenue. You must present a valid ID proving you are 21 years old, and no one under the age of 21 is allowed in the restricted portion of a retail store.

Where can I use it?
Marijuana use is legal within the confines of private property. However, property owners, including hotels and rental car companies, can ban the use and possession of marijuana on their properties. Check the rules where you are staying before buying or consuming marijuana. Consuming marijuana is illegal in public areas (anywhere the general public can go), including: amusement, sporting, and music venues, as well as parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, roads, and on federal land-- which includes Colorado’s ski resorts and national parks.

Can I get a DUI for driving while stoned?
Yes. It is illegal to drive while impaired by marijuana. You can be charged with a DUI if found with more than 5 nanograms of THC in your blood. Also, remember retail marijuana is regulated just like alcohol, so drivers or passengers are not allowed to open or use the product while in a car.

I plan on using edibles. What is the serving size?
Marijuana regulations agree that a serving size is equal to 10 mg of THC. Products may vary in THC concentration, so be sure to pay attention to the total number of milligrams in your product. If you aren’t sure how marijuana will affect you, ingest less than one serving, and wait at least four hours before eating/drinking more. Don’t mix marijuana and alcohol.

Can I take marijuana out of the state?
No. It is illegal to leave Colorado with any marijuana products.

How should I store my marijuana?
Avoid use of marijuana around children, in any form. Children may mistake edibles or marijuana-infused products for regular candy, so make sure all marijuana-containing products are clearly labeled, stored in a child-resistant container, and kept in a locked cabinet. To dispose of leftover marijuana, use a secure container in a safe place out of sight & reach of children, like in a large dumpster. Don’t leave your extras in hotel rooms or rental cars--it’s dangerous when not labeled, it could fall into the hands of minors, and you could even be charged a fee for doing so.